Lawmaker: The system & drug buyers helped lead to Officer Widman's death
By
WINK News
Story Created:
Jul 20, 2008 at 1:59 AM EST
Story Updated:
Jul 20, 2008 at 2:13 AM EST
FORT MYERS, Fla. - There was a warrant out for the man who shot and killed officer Andrew Widman early Friday morning. That man was Abel Arango.
"It is the question on everyone's mind, why was convicted felon Abel Arango not behind bars after violating probation.. enabling him to kill officer Andrew Widman," says State Representative Nick Thompson (R)-Fort Myers.
Thompson says both the system and drug deals played a large role in the senseless death. "I think one of the things I can do as a State Representative is look at the processes that were followed for this drug dealer," says Thompson. "Processes that created loopholes in the law, like the amount of time it takes for warrants to be issued and allowing probation violators to post bond."
He continued, "If there is something that can be changed or modified so a person like this isn't out on the street isn't able to avoid capture by police we want to do that."
Thompson says the law isn't the only problem, it's also people who buy drugs off dealers like Arango. "The money that they gave him this drug dealer so he could carry on his lifestyle avoid police, avoid capture, go out on a Friday night and maybe even buy a gun," says Thompson.
"I think that's evidence to show that people out buying drug, it's not just a victimless crime," says Thompson. "They need to think about that."
Arango was most recently arrested in Lee County in May for selling 57 grams of cocaine to deputies.
Tuesday, Jul 22 at 5:05 PM D-Bag wrote ...
As usual, passing the blame. If he was a burglar it would be "people who dont lock their door's fault". He got passed through the system, fell through the cracks and free like so many career criminals on Lee county streets. Go ahead and let probation officers make arrests, it wont change the fact that he'd be out on the street in 24 hours. He couldnt have been deported back to Cuba, so we would support him until he died in jail. Im happy that the POS is dead, very sad he took an officer with him
Monday, Jul 21 at 9:42 AM nick wrote ...
you know it makes me sick that a lawmaker would try and take glory for a fallen officer the probation system has been a joke for 50 years here in florida and will not change this is only a statment for them to look good for up coming elections this officers death had nothing to due with probation tho sad and sorful loss we cant bring him back nor the others whom were lost as well but to ride on there death for votes is sick and should be noted to there own greed .
Sunday, Jul 20 at 2:53 PM Richie Rich wrote ...
This lawmaker makes as much sense as tow legged horse in the Kentucky derby. I mean come on here, does he REALLY think dope users are concerned about their suppliers living the good life and endangering cops? The real blame is on the Police system who KNEW this scum was on the loose but did nothing. As usual, it is always some unsuspecting cop who finds out how dangerous some people are. Everyone who was voted into their positions who did nothing should be voted out next election time!!!
Sunday, Jul 20 at 11:54 AM anOPINIONATEDsob wrote ...
Another example of the upstanding latino community. For the good members, a few like this, protected by the rest paint the whole community with the brush of hate. Others in the community knew this guy was an honest hard working drug dealer and chose to hide him behind several identities and locations. They should bare some responsiblity for one dead good guy. America bends over backwards to welcome you here so live by our rules for we are NOT going to live by yours anymore. Sadly it came to this
Sunday, Jul 20 at 9:56 AM Department of Corrections wrote ...
The Department of Corrections does not want probation officers making arrests. If the State of Florida properly funded and equiped Probation Officers and allow them to do law enforcement as prescribed in the Florida Statutes, just maybe, these types of occurences will decline. Politicians and their Department appointees are at fault here, not the system. The politicians put the system in place.
Sunday, Jul 20 at 9:04 AM bonita wrote ...
I think cubans can't be deported, maybe that is the reason Arango wasn't, so in this case he should get raw inside jail. Yes law is very soft with criminal like this in our society, and with rapist, rapist should be ejecutated period, not chance to a trial is neccesary.
Sunday, Jul 20 at 6:56 AM Mojo wrote ...
er!!!!! what comes first me getting my smac or telling my dealer he should stop dealing. Get a life Thompson the law is ther to protect the innocent (sorry drug dealers) get your finger out and get these people out of the country. Do your job or you won't get any votes next time. Support your people by looking after your people.
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